Fuel type: A liquid fuel, similar to conventional fuel to handle.
Properties: The simplest form of alcohol with the most favourable hydrogen-to-carbon Energy density is just under half that of conventional marine fuels.
Uptake by industry: Used in a limited capacity and as fuel onboard methanol carriers since 2016. Full regulatory guidelines are not yet complete.
Low carbon credentials: Methanol has little/no environmental benefit over conventional fuels when produced from fossil fuels. Green methanol can be produced from both bio-waste and renewable energy with biogenic carbon capture.
CO2 saving: Green methanol has the potential to reduce full life cycle emissions by up to 99% for e-methanol and 70%+ for bio-methanol. Reduces Nox emissions by 30-60%. Significant reduction in particulate matter.
Safety considerations: Methanol is a low flashpoint fuel (flashpoint 11-12°C). Methanol can be highly toxic if ingested or inhaled as vapour.
Availability: Globally traded but not widely available in small parcels for bunkering. Dedicated supply chains developing in NW Europe. It may be offered at methanol production and terminals worldwide in the future.
Price: Fossil-based methanol prices in a similar range to MGO (although without correlation). Green methanol prices are at a significant premium to conventional marine fuels (c.2-3x)
